Hello! We are Fynd, a reuse select shop. We are always sharing the charm of antique and vintage furniture, but today we will be talking about a special theme.
Many people probably have questions like, "Is the chest I inherited from my grandmother actually worth something?" or "How much is the old table I've been using for years worth?"
In the past, you would have had to visit a specialty store, but now you can easily get your antique furniture appraised online. In this article, we will introduce you to online appraisal services for antique furniture in detail.
What is an online appraisal?
Online appraisal is a service that allows you to send photos and detailed information about your furniture over the internet and have a value judged by an expert. Without seeing the actual item, you can have a judgement made on the furniture's age, artist, rarity, market value, and more, based only on the photos and description.
《 Advantages of online appraisal 》
1. Appraisal can be done from the comfort of your own home
The biggest advantage is that you don't have to carry heavy furniture. Especially with large antique furniture, it's not practical to bring it to a store. With online, you can just take a photo with your smartphone.
2. Save time and travel costs
This is a major benefit for busy modern people, as it eliminates the need to travel to a specialist store far away. It is especially convenient for working people in their 30s to 50s, and elderly people who find it difficult to go out.
3. It's easy to consult with multiple companies
It can be a hassle to go around to physical stores, but online you can consult with multiple appraisers at the same time, which makes it easy to get a second opinion.
4. Applications can be made 24 hours a day
Many services are available 24 hours a day, so you can apply whenever you want.
Disadvantages of online appraisals
1. Photos alone have their limits
Since you can't actually see the actual item, you may overlook small scratches, the texture of the material, structural problems, etc. It is especially difficult to determine the repair history and internal condition.
2. Effects of lighting and shooting angle
The quality of your photos can make or break your appraisal, so it's important to take them in good lighting.
3. Final value determination requires physical inspection
Online appraisals are good for getting an approximate value, but if you want to determine the exact value or consider selling, you will often ultimately need to see the item in person.
<< Online appraisal service flow >>
Step 1: Application and registration
Fill out the application form on each service's website. The following basic information is required:
- Furniture type (table, chair, chest, etc.)
- Estimated age
- Purchase date and acquisition history
- Size (width x depth x height)
- Current status
Step 2: Take a photo and send it
Take multiple photos from the following angles:
- Overall view (front, side, back)
- Details (decorations, metal fittings, joints)
- Areas with scratches or stains
- Back and bottom
- Labels and signs indicating the manufacturer and age
Step 3: Expert appraisal
Based on the information you provide, our experts will assess your property based on the following criteria:
- Identifying the era and period
- Identifying the artist or manufacturer
- Style analysis
- Scarcity assessment
- Market value calculation
Step 4: Receive your results
The results usually arrive within a week and include:
- Furniture details
- Estimated age/author
- Current Market Value
- Factors that increase or decrease value
- Storage and maintenance advice
《About the fee structure》
The cost of online appraisals varies depending on the company, but here are some general prices!
Simple appraisal
- Price: 3,000 to 8,000 yen
- Content: Basic value judgments
- Duration: 3-5 days
Detailed appraisal
- Price: 10,000 to 20,000 yen
- Contents: Detailed analysis report included
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
Certificate included
- Price: 20,000 to 50,000 yen
- Contents: Appraisal certificate certifying public value
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
Many companies offer discounts or even waiver on appraisal fees if you use their purchasing or selling support after the appraisal.
《Recommended online appraisal service providers》
① Nichikodo
· Completely free of fees such as appraisal fees → Completely free of fees up to the point of purchase, regardless of the purchase method
・Purchase area: All over Japan → We can handle items that look old to the customer. ・Cancellation possible after confirming the purchase price → We also welcome those who just want an appraisal first.
②Eijudo
・High purchase prices → Only appraisers are employed, and we operate with a small, elite team. ・Wide range of items purchased → We handle over 100 types of antiques in 10 categories. ・Agility → We accept even a single item, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
③Hakkodo
・Unbeatable purchase prices → Our parent company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Gross Market and has a track record of over 40 years since its founding ・A thorough system of safety and security → A cooling-off period allows for returns and cancellations within 8 days ・Attention to customer service → We provide attentive service, carefully handling your items, assessing them and explaining them to you ・Featured on numerous TV media outlets → Our extensive experience and discerning eye have earned us the endorsement of the media
Preparation before requesting an appraisal
Information gathering
To ensure a more accurate appraisal, you should find out as much as possible about the furniture:
- Purchase date and acquisition history
- Previous owner information
- Repair and renovation history
- Accessories included
Photography tips
- Shoot in natural light
- Shoot from multiple angles
- Capture every detail
- Photographing without hiding any dirt or scratches
" summary "
Online appraisals are a great way to quickly find out the value of your antique furniture. While they're not perfect, they can give you a rough estimate and give you enough information to make decisions about your future.
Being able to get expert advice from the comfort of your own home is a major benefit, especially for elderly people who find it difficult to go out and busy modern people.
If you have antique furniture lying around your home, why not try an online appraisal? You might discover unexpected value.
At Fynd, we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your precious furniture. Let's discover the charm of antique and vintage furniture together.
The world of furniture is deep and fascinating, and the more you learn about it, the more fascinating it becomes. Why not start by exploring the history and value of furniture that is familiar to you?
